Looks like I'm about 95% there with floor trusses:



The only issue appears to be what happens when ribbon boards are enabled and you have an inside corner as shown. I probably need to add in some additional logic to eliminate the slot for the ribbon board in these cases.

This isn't really about building just yet but I thought this was the best place to ask. I've been doing some reading about financing the purchase of land. I already have the lot picked out and it is in a gated development, with water and power already. I'm just having trouble sorting out the lender stuff. I read many national lender don't do land purchases and it's better to go local, as they know the area.
I also read that many land loans require 25-50% down for raw land loans but land that is developed or finished (roads, water and power access) down payments can be as little as 10-20%. I am now finding a lot of variation among lenders in terminology. One I looked at just has "land loans" regardless of development. Another requires 20% down for "land loans" and 10% down for "lot loans". There are also "construction  loans" of various types. It gets very confusing. I am looking at a lot in Idaho and trying to get 10-20% down. Any suggestions on a lender or other suggestions that can clear up my confusion?

Version 1.5.2 - 06.02.2025
- Updated the wire library to include all the common NMB wire sizes.





This update per customer request.

Wire sizes per the Southwire (Romex) documentation:

http://design.medeek.com/resources/electricalplugin/references/2403_3-C_Romex_NMB_Cable_SpecSheet_Web.pdf

Version 4.0.2 - 06.01.2025
- Added a bottom gap parameter to the draw and edit menu of the door module.
- Added the bottom gap parameter to the door tab of the global settings.

Tutorial 26 - Editing Opening Headers (5:00 min.)

Version 1.0.6 - 05.31.2025
- Added an edit function to the "Stretch Floor Header" tool.
- Added a "Timber" header type for floor openings.
- Fixed minor bugs in the floor opening module.

Version 1.0.5 - 05.30.2025
- Added the ability to stretch opening headers with the "Stretch Floor Header" tool.

Tutorial 25 - Stretching Opening Headers (7:50 min.)

Version 4.0.1 - 05.29.2025
- Added five additional layers to the Layers tab of the Global Settings for stair assemblies.
- Added a "Stair Layers" option into the Layers tab of the Global Settings in order to toggle the stair layers "On" or "Off".

Tutorial 71 - Layers/Tags for Stairs (4:02 min.)

Version 4.0.0b - 05.28.2025
- Enabled "green" pressure treated lumber within the stair module.

Hmmm.  The first thing that came to my mind after reading the subject (keyword: cheapest) and the posted message (Tornadoes) was that those two words may be at odds with each other. I've not looked into tornado-resistant construction much, however, reinforced concrete has been mentioned the few times I have looked briefly. That won't be on the list of cheapest methods or materials.

I don't know much about cordwood other than it seems to be labor intensive and if or when the wood shrinks there may be drafts. There is a member here who many years ago built a cordwood structure. One link, a search on the forum will likely bring up more.

As for myself, I am interested in saving money. I have learned over the decades that the cheapest right now is quite often the cheapest in the long run.

A concrete wall structure can be made to be very energy efficient. Lots of decisions to be made, such as is it better to insulate on the exterior to place the concrete thermal mass inside or better to insulate inside?